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ALUMNI SURVEY
First destination
CLASS OF 2013
CAREER SERVICES OFFICE Phelps Smith Administration Building
Lower Floor 001
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2013
DISCUSSION OF THE SURVEY .......................................................................................................... 1 DEGREES AND FIELDS OF STUDY FOR GRADUATES RETURNING TO PSC ......................................................................................................................... 7 DEGREES AND FIELDS OF STUDY FOR GRADUATES ATTENDING OTHER INSTITUTIONS ................................................................................................. 7 SATISFACTION RESPONSES BY PROGRAM ...................................................................................... 9 FIGURE 1-PERCENTAGE OF CAREER OUTCOME RATES ................................................................ 10 FIGURE 2-FIVE YEAR COMPARISON OF CAREER OUTCOME RATES .............................................. 11 FIGURE 3-FIVE YEAR COMPARISON OF AVERAGE SALARIES ........................................................ 12 STATISTICAL SUMMARY & SALARY BY CURRICULUM ................................................................... 13 School of Natural Resource Management & Ecology (NRME) STATISTICAL SUMMARY & SALARY BY CURRICULUM ................................................................... 15 School of Commercial, Applied & Liberal Arts (CALA) OCCUPATIONS, JOB TITLES AND EMPLOYERS BY DEGREE ............................................................ 17 ADVICE, COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS FROM THE GRADUATES ................................................. 27
CAREER SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to assist students and alumni with making sound career decisions, to help them explore
employment opportunities and empower them to obtain and maintain a successful career plan during their educational experience and upon graduation from Paul Smith's College.
DISCUSSION OF THE SURVEY The 2013 Alumni Survey was administered to August 2012, December 2012 and May 2013 graduates. A total of 247 graduates were surveyed with 209 responses. A pre-graduate questionnaire was collected prior to graduation when seniors picked up their cap and gown. The Alumni Survey was then distributed via online, mail, email and phone survey formats over the following year. In addition, some responses were reliably relayed through PSC faculty and staff, students, alumni, family of the graduates and collected through social media and internet resources. The job market nationally and statewide continues to be economically challenging. Students are not guaranteed a job upon graduation, but PSC provides targeted career assistance. The career successes attained by PSC graduates are due to their diligence in job search process, the combined efforts of the Career Services Office and the ongoing support and collaboration of Paul Smith’s College community. Statistics and lists are only part of the entire story. Students often enter PSC very career-motivated, focused and directed. Our programs provide them with hands-on experience in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, technical and communication skills that are required of a successful graduate in the world-of-work. However, semesters pass very quickly and some students find themselves coming upon graduation with unclear plans to transition into the real world. Graduating students who seek out and utilize the resources available to them through the Career Services Office and other support services and are the most flexible as to location, tend to have the best results and job offers. Those who create a career action plan progress through their academic years most effectively with tangible goals and an understanding of employer’s needs. They learn to market themselves through their pursuit to develop all important employment skills such as teamwork and problem solving. They create resumes, practice interview skills, and attend networking and on-campus recruitment events. Successful career strategies include self-assessment, career exploration and building transferrable skills with a focus on lifelong career development. Students who approach their academic studies as an opportunity for professional growth during their college years have better career and job success and remain more optimistic about their future. As in all phases of academic and lifelong endeavors, the benefits received are directly proportional to the investment. Economic indicators show optimistic signs for the graduating class of 2013. Employers expect to hire 13 percent more new graduates from the Class of 2013 than they did from the Class of 2012, according to NACE’s Job Outlook 2013 survey. When it comes to the current job market for new college graduates, respondents to the Job Outlook show an increase in the average number of jobs employers are posting, an increase in the average number of applications received and an anticipated upswing for Spring 2013.
Figure 2: Spring 2013-2012 Recruiting Plans
Recruiting Plans Spring 2013 Spring 2012
Firm plans in place 37.6% 34.4%
Tentative plans in place 27.3% 31.8%
All recruiting in Fall 18.6% 18.2%
Unsure 15.5% 15.1%
Not hiring 1.0% 0.5%
Data for the Job Outlook 2013 survey was collected from July 25, 2012 through September 10, 2012
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When it comes to the importance of candidate skills/qualities, recruiting professionals are looking for team players who can solve problems, organize their work, and communicate effectively, according to respondents to NACE’s Job Outlook 2014 survey.
PSC graduates were asked to rank the following the skills for degree of importance and PSC satisfaction. A statistical sample of twenty-six (26) responses was collected. Of those who responded to this section, the majority answered that all skills were important. The majority also said that they were satisfied with how well PSC provided training in these areas. Important to note is that responses indicate the area most in need of improvement is basic computer skills. Although many college students are knowledgeable in basic computer skills upon entry of college, survey results indicate a need to offer additional computer, research and field-specific computer application coursework and workshops.
How important are these skills to a successful and rewarding life/career?
importance How well did PSC provide education in acquiring these skills?
satisfaction
Finding information 100% Finding information 81%
Thinking clearly and critically 96% Thinking clearly and critically 77%
Communicating effectively verbally 92% Communicating effectively verbally 88%
Analyzing and solving problems 92% Analyzing and solving problems 77%
Basic Computer skills 92% Basic Computer skills 58%
Technical field-specific skills 84% Technical field-specific skills 88%
Communicating effectively in writing 73% Communicating effectively in writing 84%
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SURVEY METHOD The Alumni Survey is designed to help Paul Smith’s College learn more about our graduating students experience and future career plans. Graduate responses are confidential and no personally identifiable information is reported in our print or online formats. Responses provide valuable feedback and are used internally to help analyze current programs and guide future institutional planning. Graduating seniors are required to fill out an initial pre-graduation questionnaire when they pick up their regalia. After receiving the final graduating class roster, the Alumni Survey is delivered via mail, online and email formats as well as utilizing social networking platforms. The last effort is a telephone survey marathon. The data is then finalized, compiled and made available via online format. PSC Annual Surveys are available for online viewing at http://www.paulsmiths.edu/offices/career-services/alumni-surveys. RESPONSE RATE
Outcome Placement Rate
Class of 2013
Class of 2012
Class of 2011
Class of 2010
Class of 2009
Total graduates surveyed 247 208 166 195 228
Respondents to survey 209 177 145 173 189
Response rate 85% 85% 87% 89% 83%
For a graphic display of the Outcome Placement Rate above see Figure 1. NOTE: We were unable to identify post-graduation status for 38 graduates and therefore unable to include them in this report. The numbers and percentages that are listed on the following pages do not always add up to the totals that one might initially expect, because responses are optional and not every question is answered by every respondent. Questions related to the data presented within this report should be directed to the Career Services Office.
EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION COMPARATIVE BREAKDOWN The following table shows the comparative breakdown of responses from the last five (5) graduating classes within one year after graduation. Responses indicate that graduates are willing to accept work unrelated to their major, seasonal and part-time employment, internships or volunteer to stay active in the workforce and continue to develop professional skills employers are seeking.
5-year Comparative Breakdown Class of
2013
Class of
2012
Class of
2011
Class of
2010
Class of
2009
Total employed 85% 85% 76% 80% 74%
Total further education 14% 14% 23% 19% 24%
Overall employed or further education 99% 99% 99% 99% 98%
Total seeking 1% 1% 1% 1% 2%
For a graphic display of the Comparative Breakdown Chart above see Figure 2. Upon further analysis, the survey results collected indicate graduates were:
Overall employed or pursuing further education-all responses 99%
Overall working or pursuing further education within 6 months-all responses 97%
Working or pursuing further education within 6 months in related field 90%
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SALARIES It is important to consider that graduates offer information voluntarily, and many choose not to disclose their salaries. Therefore, the salary data reflects both those graduates who report their salaries and wage information gathered via research. Most figures reported are for base salaries and do not include bonuses, fringe benefits, or overtime rates. In addition to self-reported data regarding earnings, wages were collected from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, employer reports and salary internet resources. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) provides information on what workers do; the work environment; education, training, and other qualifications; pay; the job outlook; similar occupations; and sources of additional information for approximately 84 percent of occupations in the economy. In many of our programs, students may start out at a lower salary entry level, receiving several months of training at their job site. After a probationary “training” period their salary may greatly increase, and this increase may not be reflected when the salary was reported. Level of salary reported varies widely by type of position, geographic location, previous experience, personal factors, and entry level salary of specific occupations. We find that some students may prefer to accept jobs that do not require geographic relocation, but enable them to stay near family and friends. This choice may result in less lucrative job attainment with fewer advancement opportunities. A total of 103 salary reports were collected which includes (46) female and (57) male responses. Respondents often choose not to disclose salary information. Variables that have an effect on salaries include factors such as geographic location, personal and family choices, and industry-related trends. The 2013 average salaries show an increase for all employment and male salaries with a slight decrease in female salaries and high maximum salary average over last year.
Average salaries Class of 2013 Class of 2012 Class of 2011 Class of 2010
Class of 2009
All employment $31,145 $30,861 $28,159 $30,169 $30,095
Employed female $28,121 $29,876 $24,885 $29,205 $26,507
Employed male $33,533 $31,484 $30,319 $30,697 $31,432
High maximum $38,488 $39,165 $34,104 $34,568 $36,033
For a graphic display of the salary rates for the above see Figure 3.
EDUCATION Many high-wage jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, additional education and work experience. According to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reports indicate that on average higher levels of education are related to lower unemployment rates and higher personal income over a lifetime. As the majority of Paul Smith's College students enroll in bachelor degree programs upon entry, the percentage of associate degree graduates will fluctuate accordingly and influence the rate of students returning to complete a secondary degree.
While Paul Smith’s College has phased out many associate degree programs and certificates, we have added additional bachelor degree programs and minor offerings. The percentage of graduates returning to PSC to further their education or obtain a secondary degree will vary based on current program offerings, as well as enrollment and workforce trends.
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Percentage of highest degrees: Class of 2013 Class of 2012 Class of 2011 Class of 2010
% of bachelor degrees (171) 69% 72% 62% 67%
% of associate degrees (74) 30% 25% 31% 30%
% of certificates (2) 1% 3% 7% 3%
Additional degrees These percentages do not take into account additional degrees, certificates and minors obtained by our graduates while pursuing their primary degree at Paul Smith’s College. A total of 86 graduates earned an additional 103 certificates, minors, associate degrees and bachelor degrees representing 35% of the graduating class.
additional degrees Class of 2013 Class of 2012 Class of 2011 Class of 2010
bachelor degree 5 5 4 4
associate degree 9 7 13 29
certificates 12 37 18 11
minors 77 43 13 6
total 103 92 48 50
Further Education The percentages in the following charts are based both on graduates who enrolled in post graduate studies as well as those who indicated that they were actively in the process of furthering their education. The percentage of respondents pursuing additional undergraduate degrees remained consistent. The percentage of respondents pursuing a graduate degree and/or considering and applying to graduate school remained unchanged from the previous year. However, the combined percentage of students considering further undergraduate education increased significantly. Due to various reasons, continuing education may not be an immediate option for recent graduates, but it is a future goal being considered. Overall comments and responses for delaying education indicate growing concerns over the current economy, challenging job market, student loan debt and personal priorities as factors. Of the thirty (31) graduates pursuing further education, ten (10) are returning to Paul Smith’s College to complete a bachelor or associate’s degree. One graduate was employed and pursuing further education. In addition, a total of twenty-eight (28) graduates responded that they were “considering” further education and graduate school. Twelve (12) graduates who responded “considering” further education indicated a college or major choice.
Of those who responded to further education (all degrees awarded=247):
Class of 2013
Class of 2012
Class of 2011
Class of 2010
% pursuing associates degrees/certificates (2) 1% 2% 3% no report
% pursuing bachelor degrees (17) 7% 6% 15% no report
% considering further education (28) 11% 3% no report no report
% returning to PSC (10) 4% 5% 11% 7%
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Those who responded to graduate studies or higher (bachelor degrees awarded =171):
Class of 2013
Class of 2012
Class of 2011
Class of 2010
% accepted or attending graduate degree or higher (12) 7% 7% 8% 10%
% additional considering graduate school (23) 13% 13% 15% 12%
CONCLUSION: The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national unemployment rate was 7.6% in May 2013; and declined to 6.7% on December 2013 in the Employment Situation report. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the Class of 2013 Student Survey Report summary shows that 60.6% of graduates expect to enter the work force immediately after graduation. 23.8% would like to pursue graduate school and 10.2% are unsure of their plans. Figure 1: Plans for After Graduation, Class of 2013 vs. Class of 2012
The Department of Labor research indicates that pursuing a college degree results in lower unemployment rates and is worth the investment over a lifetime. In May 2013 the unemployment rate was 3.8% for graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 7.3% for Gulf II Veterans and 7.4% for high school graduates. For those with less than a high school diploma, the unemployment rate was 24.5% compared to 12.5% in May 2012. Source: Higher Education, Lower Unemployment The majority of our graduates are highly successful in accomplishing their career goals, but some have indicated feelings of anxiety, frustration and/or indifference as they navigate the prolonged economic recovery. Many of those graduates have proactively chosen to use the lack of economic growth as an opportunity to pursue further education, complete an internship, study abroad, travel, volunteer, start their own business, and further explore their career options while building transferrable professional skills for future employment. Graduates reported interest in working for non-profits, government and the private sector. At Paul Smith’s College, we strive to provide our graduates with the tools they will need to embrace life-long learning and navigate the changing workplace. PSC offers strong faculty connections as well as academic support and career assistance to both students and alumni. It’s these combined resources with our graduate’s field-related skills, motivation, personality and determination that accounts for our student’s career success and favorable survey results.
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Degrees and fields of study for graduates returning to PSC:
# of graduates Returning for higher or additional major at PSC in Degree
4 Business Management (BMES) Bachelors (BS)
1 Environmental Science (ENVS) Bachelors (BS)
1 (double major)
Forestry-Ecological Forest Management (FEFM) Forestry-Forest Operations (FFOP) (pursuing dual degree)
Bachelors (BS) Bachelors (BS)
1 Forestry-Vegetation (FVEG) Bachelors (BS)
1 Integrative Studies (INST) Bachelors (BA)
1 Parks, Recreation and Facilities Management (PRFM) Bachelors (BS)
1 Recreation Adventure (RATE/REALM) Bachelors (BS)
Degrees and fields of study for graduates attending other institutions:
College Degree Major area
North Country Community College Associates Nutrition
Onondaga Community College Certificate Fire/Protection Technician
Mercy College, Westchester NY Bachelors Accounting
SUNY Plattsburgh Bachelors Business Administration/ Accounting
SUNY Cortland Bachelors Exercise Science
Morrisville State College Bachelors Horticulture Business Management
University of Buffalo Bachelors Nursing
University of Maine Bachelors Surveying Engineering Technology
SUNY Canton Bachelors Emergency Service Management
SUNY Oneonta Masters Lake Management
Western Governors University Masters Education
Union Graduate College Masters Business Admin
University of Colorado Masters Environmental Science
Plymouth State University Masters Environmental Science & Policy
Boston University Masters Gastronomy
Southern NH University Masters Business Administration
St. John Fisher Masters Business Administration
SUNY Cortland Masters MGMT of Leisure Services
University of Edinburgh, Scotland Masters Outdoor Education
Colorado State, Fort Collins Masters Professional Science Masters of Zoo Management
SUNY Oneonta Masters Lake Management
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Graduates considering or applying to further education that indicated choice:
College Degree Major area
New York Institute of Technology Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelors Interior Design
Lemoyne College Bachelors Business Management
University of Wisconsin Boise State University
Masters Wildlife Management/Raptor ecology
Washington University Antioch University
Masters Conservation Biology
Undisclosed Masters Fisheries Science
University of Montana Montana State University
Masters Wildlife Bio Restoration Ecology
State University of New York Masters Business Administration-Hospitality
Prescott College Plymouth State University
Masters Adventure Education Outdoor Education
Humboldt State University Masters Redwood Research
Clarkson University Rochester Institute of Technology
Masters Business Administration
American Public University System Masters Management with concentration in Strategic Consulting
Penn State University Masters Undisclosed
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SATISFACTION RESPONSES BY PROGRAMS
(26% of responders completed this section)
Program
Did you receive satisfactory preparation overall?
Is PSC education and experience useful in your present job or studies?
Knowing what you know now would you...
Choose to attend PSC?
Choose the same major?
Yes No Unsure Very Some Little None Unsure Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure
Associate degrees
& Certificates (7 programs
responded)
79% 5% 16% 87% 0% 13% 0% 0% 95% 0% 5% 89% 11% 0%
Bachelor degrees (16 programs
responded)
88% 2% 10% 68% 12% 5% 5% 10% 85% 4% 11% 85% 13% 2%
Responses indicate a high level of satisfaction with Paul Smith’s College education, preparation, and choice of major. Associate degree students thought the PSC education and experience they received was more useful in their present job or studies. However, bachelor degree students indicated a higher satisfaction in overall preparedness for the world of work. Not all graduates and majors respond to this question. Of those students who answered this section, some chose not to answer all questions.
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Paul Smith’s College Alumni Class of 2013
Career Outcome Rates Figure 1
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85%
14% 1%
total employed
total further ed
total seeking
Paul Smith’s College Alumni Class of 2013
5-Year Comparison of Career Outcome Rates
Figure 2
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0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Totalemployed
Totalfurther ed
Totalseeking
Paul Smith’s College Alumni Class of 2013
5-year comparison of Average Salaries
Figure 3
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$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
2013 2012 2011 2010
all employed
all females
all males
avg high report
STATISTICAL SUMMARY BY CURRICULUM 2013 - First Destination SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY (NRME)
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Of those who responded to survey:
INDUSTRY
FURTHER EDUCATION
NOT
SEEKING (GAP)
SEEKING
Total
Respondents
/Total Graduates
Related
Unrelated
Related
Unrelated
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
B.S. in Biology (BIOG) 2 50 1 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 out of 4 75
B.S. Environmental
Science (ENVS) 3 43 0 0 2 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 out of 7 71
B.S. Fish & Wildlife-
Fisheries (FWSF) 1 17 1 17 2 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 out of 6 67
B.S. Fish & Wildlife-
Wildlife (FWSW) 15 65 4 18 1 4 0 0 2 9 0 0 22 out of 23 96
B.S. Forestry Biology
(FBIO) 2 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 out of 4 50
B.S. Forestry Ecology
(FEFM) 11 73 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 12 out of 15 80
B.S. Forestry Industrial
(FIFO) 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50 0 0 2 out of 2 100
B.S. Forestry Recreation
(FRRM) 1 25 1 25 1 25 0 0 0 0 1 25 4 out of 4 100
B.S. Forestry Vegetation
(FVEG) 2 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 out of 2 100
B.S. Integrated Studies
(INST) 1 33 1 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 out of 3 66
B.S. Natural Resource
Science (NRSC) 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 out of 1 100
B.S. Parks, Recreation,
Forestry Management
(PRFM)
1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 out of 1 100
A.A.S. Fisheries
Technology (FISH) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 out of 1 0
A.A.S. Arboriculture &
Landscape Management
(AALM) 7 54 0 0 4 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 out of 13
85
A.A.S. Forest Technician
(FORT) 4 80 0 0 1 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 out of 5 100
A.S., A.A.S. (INAS) 0 0 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 out of 2 50
A.A.S. Survey Technology
(SURV) 5 56 0 0 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 out of 9 67
GISC Certificate (GISC) 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 out of 2 50
STATISTICAL SUMMARY BY CURRICULUM 2013 -Salary Report
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY (NRME)
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SALARY INFORMATION # Reporting/ responses HIGH Report
AVERAGE Report
B.S. in Biology (BIOG) 2 out of 3 $21,840 $21,320
B.S. Environmental Science (ENVS) 1 out of 5 $19,700 $19,700
B.S. Fish & Wildlife-Fisheries (FWSF) 0 out of 4 no report no report
B.S. Fish & Wildlife-Wildlife (FWSW) 9 out of 22 $54,080 $31,467.56
B.S. Forestry Biology (FBIO) 2 out of 2 $31,200 $29.120
B.S. Forestry Ecology (FEFM) 9 out of 12 $65,000 $38,686.78
B.S. Forestry Industrial (FIFO) 0 out of 2 no report no report
B.S. Forestry Recreation (FRRM) 1 out of 4 $20,800 $20,800
B.S. Forestry Vegetation (FVEG) 1 out of 2 $65,000 $65,000
B.S. Integrated Studies (INST) 1 out of 2 $18,000 18,000
B.S. Natural Resources Science (NRSC) 0 out of 1 no report no report
B.S. in Parks, Recreation, Forestry Management (PRFM) 1 out of 1 $30,000 $30,000
A.A.S. Arboriculture & Landscape Management (AALM) 7 out of 11 $50,000 $35,697.14
A.A.S. in Fish Technology (FISH) 0 out of 1 no report no report
A.A.S. Forest Technician (FORT) 3 out of 5 $33,280 $30,800
A.S. A.A.S Integrated Studies (INAS) 0 out of 1 no report no report
A.A.S. Survey Technology (SURV) 4 out of 6 $34,320 $31,080
GISC Certificate (GISC) 0 out of 1 no report no report
STATISTICAL SUMMARY BY CURRICULUM 2013-First Destination SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL, APPLIED & LIBERAL ARTS (CALA)
First Destination
Of those who responded to survey:
INDUSTRY
FURTHER
EDUCATION
NOT SEEKING
(GAP)
SEEKING
# Total Respondents
/Total Graduates
Related
Unrelated
Related
Unrelated
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
B.S. Business Management & Entrepreneurial Studies (BMES) 5 63 0 0 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 out of 8 75
B.P.S. Culinary Arts Service Management (CASM) 13 65 1 5 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 16 out of 20 80
B.A. Environmental Studies (ENST) 3 75 0 0 1 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 out of 4 100
B.S. Hotel, Resort & Tourism Management (HRTM) 20 84 1 4 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 out of 24 96
B.A., B.S. Integrative Studies (INST) 2 50 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 out of 3 100
B.S. Natural Resource Management Policy (NRMP) 14 70 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 15 out of 20 75
B.P.S. Recreation Adventure Travel, Ecotourism (RATE) 9 70 2 15 2 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 out of 13 100
B.S. Recreation Adventure Travel, Ecotourism (RATE) 5 72 1 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 out of 7 86
A.A.S. Baking & Pastry (BAKA) 17 74 0 0 4 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 out of 23 91
A.A.S. Culinary Arts (CULA)
5 50 1 10 2 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 out of 10 80
A.A.S. Culinary Baking (CULB) 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 out of 1 100
A.A.S. Hotel & Restaurant Management (HRMT) 3 60 0 0 2 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 out of 5 100
A.A., A.S. Integrative Studies (INAS) 1 33 0 0 1 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 out of 3 66
A.A. Liberal Arts-General Studies (LAGS) 1 50 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 out of 2 100
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STATISTICAL SUMMARY BY CURRICULUM 2013-Salary Report SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL, APPLIED & LIBERAL ARTS (CALA)
SALARY INFORMATION # Reporting/responses HIGH
Report AVERAGE
Report
B.S. Business Management & Entrepreneurial Studies (BMES) 3 out of 6 $45,970 $34,736.67
B.P.S. Culinary Arts Service Management (CASM) 5out of 16 $40,000 $29,017.60
B.A. Environmental Studies (ENST) 3 out of 4 $44,970 $34,403.33
B.S. Hotel, Resort & Tourism Management (HRTM) 13 out of 23 $53,400 $31,850.77
B.A., B.S., B.P.S. Integrative Studies (INST) 0 out of 3 no report no report
B.S. in Natural Resource Management Policy (NRMP) 10 out of 15 $46,500 $32,756
B.P.S. Recreation Adventure Travel, Ecotourism (RATE) 7 out of 13 $37,000 $30,113.33
B. S. Recreation Adventure Travel, Ecotourism (RATE) 2 out of 6 $45,000 $35,000
A.A.S. Baking & Pastry (BAKA) 11 out of 21 $45,970 $25,087.67
A.A.S. Culinary Arts (CULA) 2out of 8 $29,120 $24,960
A.A.S. Culinary Baking (CULB) 0 out of 1 no report no report
A.A.S. Hotel & Restaurant Management (HRMT) 3 out of 5 $27,040 $23,799.33
A.A., A.S., A.A.S Integrative Studies (INAS) 1 out of 2 $27,040 $27,040
A.A. Liberal Arts-General Studies (LAGS) 0 out of 2 No report No report
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CLASS OF 2013 - OCCUPATIONS/JOB TITLES AND EMPLOYERS (by curriculum)
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY (NRME) *BACHELOR’S DEGREES*
Biology (BIOG)
Job Title Employer Name
Wildlife-Biological Survey Technician Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
No report Whole Foods Market
Small Animal Caretaker Sales-Office
Animis Foundation Chevy GMC Auto Dealer
Environmental Science (ENVS)
Job Title Employer Name
Wildlife-Biological Survey Technician Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
No report Whole Foods Market
Small Animal Caretaker Sales-Office
Animis Foundation Chevy GMC Auto Dealer
Fisheries & Wildlife Science – Fisheries Concentration (FWSF)
Job Title Employer Name
Biological Science Technician II Fisheries Technician II
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Idaho Fish and Game, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Corporate Environmental Intern International Wire Group
Installed Sales Coordinator Lowes Home
Fisheries & Wildlife Science – Wildlife Concentration (FWSW)
Job Title Employer Name
Snail Kite Technician (Avian) University of Florida
Wildlife Technician and Invasive Species Control Intern
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Sustainable Agriculture Project, Environmental & Agricultural Volunteer Wildfire Monitoring Project Coordinator
Peace Corps Bureau of Land Management and Chicago Botanic Garden Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Kennel Assistant Camp Bow Wow
General Laborer Sutryk & Sons, Inc.
Organizer Vietnam Veterans of Central NY Foundation
Caretaker NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
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Fisheries & Wildlife Science – Wildlife Concentration (FWSW) cont.
Job Title Employer Name
Night Keeper Animal Care Intern
Henry Doorly's Zoo The Wildcat Sanctuary
Assistant Horticulture Inspector Wildlife Intern
NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets, PPQ US Fish and Wildlife Service
Invasive Pest Management Crew VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Laborer Construction Company
Veterinarian Assistant Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital
Companion Animal Department Manager PETCO
Environmental Technician NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection
Wildlife Biologist PA Game Commission
Wildlife Technician NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Head Field Hand Empire Evergreen
Farmhand Feeding & Transport Handler
Morrisville State College Depenabull
Gaboon Handler Adirondack Raptors
Marina Manager & Caretaker Ampersand Bay Resort and Boat Club
Animal Warden Small Mammal Technician
Six Flags Amusement Park MOFEP Department of Conservation, University of MO
Biological Technician Grassland Bird Technician Long Island Solar Farm Intern
PA Game Commission The Nature Conservancy Brookhaven National Laboratory
Forestry – Ecological Forest Management (FEFM)
Job Title Employer Name
Assistant Arborist Private Company
Sugarbush Operator Manager Paul Smith’s College, Sugarbush
Silviculture Forester US Forest Service
IS Technician Adirondack Watershed Institute at PSC
Procurement Forester Seasonal Forest Technician
Perma Treat Corporation CT Dept. of Environmental & Energy Protection, Division of Forestry
Forester T.W Tree Forestry
Unknown Technician VT Fish & Wildlife
Timber Stand Improvement-Forestry Technician US Forest Service
Systems Administrator, IT Team Technician Paul Smith's College
Resource Technician Idaho Dept. of Lands
Utility Forester Davey Tree Experts
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Forestry-Forest Biology (FBIO)
Job Title Employer Name
Watershed Steward Adirondac Watershed Institute at PSC
Forester, Timber Sales Protocol Manager
Gateway Properties Protocol Management Services
Forestry-Industrial Operations (FIFO)
Job Title Employer Name
Appalachian Trail Owner
Hiker-Gap Farm & Forest
Owner Woods-Edge Forestry
Forestry – Recreation Resource Management (FRRM)
Job Title Employer Name
Education & Outreach Assistant North Olympic Salmon Coalition
Timber Marker Tree Laborer
US Forest Service Downes Tree Service
Archery Technician Pro Shops
Forestry-Vegetation Management BS (FVEG)
Job Title Employer Name
Utility Arborist Trainee & Groundsman Lucas Tree Experts
Utility Forester Davey Tree Experts
Integrated Studies-BA, BS (INST)
Job Title Employer Name
Nature Educator, Youth Program University or Institute of Wisconsin
Customer Service Cashier Walmart
Natural Resources Management & Policy BS (NRMP)
Job Title Employer Name
Arborist Rivard Tree and Landscape
Clarence Petty Intern Stewardship Assistant Intern, ADK Park Invasive Plant Program
Adirondack Council The Nature Conservancy
Head Park Ranger Vermont Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Big Sky Watershed Corps Member Attendant 2
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation Smugglers Notch State Park
Sales & Marketing Watershed Steward
A.J. Missert Beer Distributers, Inc. Adirondack Watershed Institute at PSC
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Natural Resources Management & Policy BS (NRMP) cont.
Caretaker Bay Pond Park
Invasive Species Technician US Army Corps of Engineers
Maintenance Gough Holding Corporation
Owner & Operator Forlenza Landscape & Lawn Care
Trainer Volunteer Sales Floor Team
Wildlife Defenders Target
Land Stewardship Coordinator Wildlands Trust, AmeriCorps
Bike Path and Trail Work VT Parks & Recreation
Compliance Assistant Environmental Soil Management Companies of NY
Park Ranger Army Corps of Engineers
District Technician Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District
Parks & Recreation Forestry Management BS (PRFM)
Job Title Employer Name
Firefighter US Forest Service
*ASSOCIATES DEGREES*
Arboriculture & Landscape Management AAS (AALM)
Job Title Employer Name
Tree Climber Bartlett Tree Experts
Groundsworker SUNY Delhi
Snowmaker & Snowscaper YellowStone Club
Arborist Arborist Extern
Heritage Tree Care Shreiner Tree
Arborist Trainee Cedar Lawn Tree
CEO Frese's LLC
Arborist Teachers Tree Service
Employee/Owner Heartwood Landscaping
Forest Technician- AAS (FORT)
Job Title Employer Name
Carpenter Construction Company
Logger Manning Logging
Forester Redstart Forestry
Timber Cruiser Landvest
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Surveying AAS (SURV)
Job Title Employer Name
Logger Logging Company
Surveying Technician DHL Land Surveying
Party Chief-Draftsman Land Map Technician I
Kevin Hall Professional Land Surveying Essex County Real Property Tax
Instrument Operator CT Male
Assistant Land Surveyor Environmental Design Partnership
*CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS* SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY (NRME)
GISC Certificate (GISC)
Job Title Employer Name
Environmental Technician Summit Drilling
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SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL, APPLIED & LIBERAL ARTS (CALA) *BACHELOR’S DEGREES*
Business Management Entrepreneurial Studies –BS (BMES)
Job Title Employer Name
Office Manager Summer Store Coordinator
Monahan Management Hannafords
Sales Representative Wireless Zone Verizon
US Air Force Officer US Air Force
Line Cook Admission Counselor
Billy's Italian-American Rest PSC Admissions
Server & Hostess Mirror Lake Inn
Culinary Arts & Service Management-BPS (CASM)
Job Title Employer Name
Chef Left Bank Café
Catering Captain Purchasing Agent & Room Inspector
EJ DelMonte Corp, Del Monte Lodge & DelMonte Hotel Renaissance Hotel & Spa, Marriott
Head Chef & Kitchen Manager Pantry Cook
The Local Tavern Plaladar
Chef Ritz Carleton
Executive Chef PM Line Cook
Tabatha's Family Tree Lake Placid Lodge
Cook Lodge
Cook Sweet Waters
Sous Chef Sous Chef
The Palm Restaurant Lake Placid Lodge
Line Cook JR's Ocean View Bar & Grill
Chef Specialist-Dietary Chef Chef
Bearded Frog Bar & Grill Camp Dudley Park Squeeze
Cook Cook
The Barn at Gibbet Hill Crave Brassierie & Wine Bar
Assistant Food Service Manager Cook-Server
Young Life Saranac Village Lake Placid Lodge
Chef Late Night Cook
Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club Lake Placid PSC Sodexo
Bank Teller Key Bank
Sous Chef Bridges Restaurant
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Environmental Studies-BA
Job Title Employer Name
Floor Supervisor Key Holder Seasonal NR Program Assistant
IZOD Parajax Inc NYS DEC Fish Creek Campground
Arborist Assistant, Plant Health Care SavaTree
Farm Worker/Bookkeeping Assistant North Star Orchard
Electrician Apprentice Electric Company
Hotel, Resort & Tourism Management-BS (HRTM)
Job Title Employer Name
Events Manager Server
Broadwell Hospitality Group Calypso Cay Rest
Project Manager Diversity, a Division of Sealed Air
Restaurant Manager Waitress & Banquet staff
Tastes on the Fly Riveredge Resort
Front Desk Sales & Marketing
Century House Clarion Hotel Marriott Hotel, Saratoga Inn
Team Leader Co-Owner
Liberty Travel Mixaritas-Mobile Bartending Service
Software Application Specialist PAR Springer Miller
Group Sales Manager Alumni Assistant
Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel Paul Smith’s College, Alumni Relations
Customer Service Professional Verizon Wireless
Team Member Dunkin Donuts
Receptionist Mountain Medical Services
Dispatcher Housekeeper
Transport Company The Point
Concierge Keystone Lodge & Spa
Front Desk Agent, Concierge & Housekeeping Drive-in Manager Greeter/Front Desk Agent
Golden Arrow Resort Transit Drive- In Theater Marriott Hotels
Customer Service TJ Max
Assistant Innkeeper Group Sales Manager
Saratoga Arms Hampton Inn
Front of House Ichiban Japanese Cuisine
Executive Housekeeper Room Inspector
Harbor Inn Westmark Hotel & Conference Center
Front Desk Supervisor Conference Service Intern
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel Silver Bay YMCA
Food Service Director School Food Program Specialist
Corinth Central School NYS Education Dept - Child Nutrition
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Hotel, Resort & Tourism Management-BS (HRTM) cont.
Job Title Employer Name
Sales Manager & Event Coordinator Server
The Inn at Erlowest Crowne Plaza
Guest Service Manager Country Inn & Suites at Vision Hotels
Assistant General Manager & Director of Sales Best Western Plus Victor Inn and Suites
Assistant Front Desk Manager Mountain View Grand Resort
Integrated Studies-BA, BS, BPS (INST)
Job Title Employer Name
Hospitality Intern Dept. of Cultural Affairs & Special Events
Surveyor M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying
Sales KJ Electric
Recreation, Adventure Travel & Ecotourism - BPS & BS (RATE)
Job Title Employer Name
Lakefront Director Timber Lake West Camp
Child Care Site Coordinator YWCA
Office Manager High Peaks Cyclery
Assembler PCM Manufacturing
Park Ranger Larimer County
Fish Culturist PA Fish & Boat Commission
Staff Member Resaca Falls
Lumberjack Athlete Rock Climber
DLW Timber Works Lumber Jack Show STIHL
Self-Employed/Guide Rock Wall Supervisor
Self-Employed/Eastern Mtn. Sports PSC
Store Guide Instructor
Eastern Mountain Sports Stone Age Rock Gym
Marketing Director First Mate First Mate & Chef
Virgin Island Charter Yacht League, Flagship Charter Sailing Yachts OnDeck Ocean Racing
Floor Staff Ground Crew
Rock Spot Climbing Casey Tree Service
Groundsman Grasshopper Lawn Care LLC
Junior Ranger Crew Leader Colorado Open Space Parks
Deckhand Verde Charters
Kitchen Prep Bob Evans Restaurant
Activity Counselor Undisclosed
Lourdes Camp Ice Road Trucker
Adventure Travel Trip Leader SOAR, Inc.
Program Coordinator Non-Profit Organization (ANCA)
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SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL, APPLIED & LIBERAL ARTS (CALA) *ASSOCIATES DEGREES*
Baking - AAS (BAKA)
Job Title Employer Name
Bakers Assistant Tyler Place Resort
Substitute Teacher Baker & Waitress
Elementary Middle School Restaurant
Cook Prep Cook
Marriott Hotel & Resort Flathead Lake Lodge, Westmark Hotels
Baker Oneida Indian Nation
Assistant Head Bakery Chef Cake Placid Bakery
Baker ODBE Free-Gluten Free Bakery
Owner Pastry Chef
Anatasia's Bakery Lake Placid Lodge
Pastry Chef Mountain View Grand
Bakers Assistant The Bakery
Baker Bartender & Waitress
Bistro-To-Go Windfall Bar & Grill
Baker Woodstock Inn & Resort
Bakery Clerk Tops Friendly Market
Owner & Founder Crew
Owner and Founder at Brooke's Blissful Bites McDonald's
Cook/Baker Rainbow Shores Restaurant
Mixer Rock Hill Bakehouse Wholesale Office
Pastry Cook Baker
Ocean Properties, Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa Dirt Cowboy
Cake Decorator Assistant Pastry Chef
Price Chopper The Point Resort
Marine Officer US Marine Corps
Cook Bread Maker
Skidmore College Glen Saunders Mansion
Culinary Arts- AAS (CULA)
Job Title Employer Name
Zipline Guide Waitstaff
Greek Peak Adventure Center Clare & Carl's
Light Equipment Operator City of Watertown
Head Chef L.M. Townsend Catering
Sous Chef Irises Café and Wine Bar
Garde Manger Chef Demarco's Restaurant
Chef Legends Bar & Grill
Food Prep Wilson Farms
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Culinary Arts-Baking AAS (CULB)
Job Title Employer Name
EMS Fire Chief Stamford Fire Department
Hotel & Resort Management-AS (HRMT)
Job Title Employer Name
Assistant Manager Country Squirrel Outfitters
Teller Assistant Manager
TD Bank New York & Company
Ski Instructor Mount Snow
Front Desk Agent Front Desk
Comfort Inn and Suites, Airport Holiday Inn Express
Front Desk Agent BarBack Line cook
Comfort Inn Suites Turning Stone Holiday Inn Express
Integrative Studies - AA, AAS (INAS)
Job Title Employer Name
Office Real Estate Agent Heney Realtors
Library Technician I PSC Joan Weill Library
Liberal Arts-General Studies – AA (LAGS)
Job Title Employer Name
Fitness David Barton Gym
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ADVICE, COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS FROM 2013 GRADUATES
Pay attention to course material and keep your major related text books, graduate school is helpful and can lead to better opportunities but and education is nothing without networking. Go to conferences and strive for more.
Make use of Career Services and work in your field during the school breaks as much as you can.
Most of my studies were online, once a week. Very intense while working a full time career- Wish I had more free time or some face time with those instructors.
Thank you PSC Career Services! Was informed I got my job 3 days before graduation from career fair employer.
Please keep TRiO! Without their help, many at-risk students could fall by the wayside. The offices dedication to my success and was key to my graduating. Without their personal, academic and financial assistance I could have been forced to leave PSC.
Establish relationship with Hotel Saranac's new owners to give students a well-rounded resort experience in the area.
It gets easier as you go on after freshman year, not because the classes get easier, but because you gain a ton of knowledge
Do as many internships or closely related positions as possible before graduating.
You get out what you put in. Always strive to ask the right questions of yourself, your community, and your profession.
Heavy equipment operation and experience gave me a competitive edge over others applying for the same position in my field. Well-rounded knowledge is an integral part of PSC experience, and taking that away will hurt future graduates in finding real world jobs and careers.
I am working in a bakery but not one where I can apply my studies
Some classes' subject matter helped move me toward agriculture, but personal connections were probably a greater factor.
Perhaps I could have gotten a better academic education at another university, but I made great friends and learned farming could be a viable career.
Frustrated with administrative changes and the confusion in major offerings and requirements.
PSC is a great networking connection. I meet Smitties everywhere I go.
Joe Dadey was a valuable asset to the college and sorry to see him leave. He inspired me to continue my education.
RATE could have been a better planned-out major. Switched from BS to BPS to BS while I was here.
Offer more hands-on experience for the hospitality majors, similar to culinary students
Was informed I got the job 3 days before walking at graduation! From the Career Fair
PSC is such a great special place. So many things looking back that I could have taken advantage of in retrospect. Wish I had stayed for 4 years. Great PSC connections. HEOP, Kate Mullen is the best advisor and mentor.
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Help graduating seniors more with the job search process. I felt like I had a degree and no idea how to use it to find a job.
Try to shadow as many people as you can professionally.
Study hard, work hard but don't forget to have a little fun on the way.
I was a wildlife major and switched to NRMP. GIS skills are important and played an integral part in my interview and hiring. Build strong communication skills.
Randall Swanson is a great person and professor who enjoys teaching
ENST major is too broad with no specific areas or focus.
Go back to doing more hands on things and less classroom stuff.
Build on sustainability initiatives.
Need more hands-on classes and a major that is less general and more specific. My suggestion would be to have specific categories to focus on in the NRMP program.
In the beginning I was satisfied with PSC, but not upon graduation.
Only be an RA if you have exceptional time management skills.
Take advantage of any certifications and keep in touch with employment opportunities through networking.
Stay at PSC as long as you can, and learn as much as you can.
The baking program did not fully prepare me for a job in the real world. There is much more that can be done to improve.
Make portfolios before leaving school, have an updated resume.
Offer better instructions to students not in science concentrations on research methods and how to write scientific papers. Improve Capstone skills.
Be flexible and try anything. Don't just sit idle in your hometown waiting for jobs. Go out and find them! College is fun!
More "real world" applications and projects during surveying classes. It would be helpful to go through the same projects from the research to the final map to see whole process at once instead of in pieces.
I feel the college needs to focus on being more selective, and also needs to improve, develop and use technical dimensions, administrative capacity and experiential resources of each degree program.
Stress the importance of internships to gain experience and connections at a professional level.
Look for work BEFORE graduating college. Plan it into all of your academic years.
PSC helped me a lot. In NRMP there is room for many electives. Use them wisely and get bang for your bucks. Take a combination of surveying, GIS, business, wildlife, habitat coursework.
Treat college like a job, you chose to go to college, get the most out of your investment.
Do as many minors/certificates you can. You may need them afterwards.
Don't take away out of classroom teaching, keep the hands on programs.
In retrospect, there could be were so many opportunities to grow the RATE program resources for students outside the classroom in the community. Find what’s in our local area to support ecotourism.
Take advantage of the outdoors and mountains.
Study hard.
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Volunteer outside of class!
Enjoy your time at PSC. Study and work hard. Set goals and follow through. Don’t drop the ball and don’t give up your dreams.
Time management is an important factor the farther you go at PSC. When you're a senior you will have to balance doing a capstone research and looking for a job. Prioritizing is key.
Broaden the horizons of careers and resources listed for students. There are many options and possible career paths for NRMP students that are often not posted on the college job board. Look on field related sites.
Find more in the field of surveying. Companies are hard to find and get in touch with and it would be helpful to have more at career fairs to talk to.
Deb, Thank you for the great work. I appreciate very much all the personal time and consideration you have given me in helping to achieve my professional goals. More students should visit career services take advantage of resources available to them.
Get better employers in for recreation field at the job fairs, recently it has been part time or seasonal jobs nothing with career potential.
Teach us how to apply and what’s on a civil service test
Career Services needs a better location. Visible and accessible to students.
Offer help finding a job after college. Reach out and talk to students before they graduate.
Take advantage of ALL that PSC has to offer. You'll be surprised how valuable it will be in the future.
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